Whistleblower

The Estes Valley Public Library District (Library) is committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct through open communication. Accordingly, all trustees, employees and volunteers (Stakeholders) are required to comply with applicable federal, state and local laws, and must faithfully implement and adhere to the Library’s own policies in conducting their duties and responsibilities.

Reporting Responsibility: This policy is intended to encourage and enable Stakeholders to raise serious concerns internally so that the Library can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all Stakeholders to report concerns about violations of the Library’s Ethics policies or suspected violations of law that govern Library operations.

Protection Against Retaliation: It is contrary to the values of the Library for anyone to retaliate against any Stakeholder who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law.  Any Stakeholder who reports known or suspected violation(s) in good faith and has reasonable grounds for reporting shall not suffer intimidation, harassment, discrimination or other retaliation or, in the case of an employee, adverse employment action.

Reporting Procedures: The Library has an Open Door policy, outlining Stakeholder responsibility to discuss work concerns frankly and professionally through the chain of command. However, Stakeholders who reasonably believe that some activity of the Library is in violation of its ethics, policies or applicable law, are required to file that complaint in writing on the Whistleblower Complaint Form directly with the Library’s Compliance Officer.

Compliance Officer: The Library’s Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Board President acts as the Compliance Officer.  Should the Board President be the subject of the complaint, then the remaining members of the board shall appoint another trustee to perform the Compliance Officer’s role regarding the allegations. The Compliance Officer will advise the Library Director and the Board of Trustees of all complaints and their resolution, during an Executive session of the Board.

Confidentiality: Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Handling of Reported Violations: The Library’s Compliance Officer will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the violation report. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

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Please refer to the Employee Handbook and the Management policy set for more information.

The Estes Valley Library Whistleblower Policy was adopted and approved by the Estes Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees on August 19, 2019 and reviewed August 16, 2021.

John Krueger, President                                           Pete Johnson,  Secretary